The risk factors for developing melanoma include:

• a personal history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer
• a family history of melanoma
• increased numbers of nevi on a total body count (> 100 of more than 2 mm)
• increased numbers of dysplastic naevi – people with more than 5 dysplastic nevi have a 10 times greater chance of developing melanoma than people who have no dysplastic nevi (NCI 2018)
• solarium use
• a fair complexion (including fair skin with poor tanning ability, light or red-coloured hair and blue or green eyes)
• a history of blistering sunburn
• multiple solar keratoses (Cancer Australia 2017a)
• high levels of intermittent sun exposure (e.g. during outdoor recreation or sunny holidays)
• immune suppression and/or transplant recipients
• increasing age.

Patients with an increased risk to develop melanoma should receive education from a general practitioner or dermatologist about skin self-examination and sun protection advice.

Patients with a high risk of developing melanoma may need:

• a total skin check every six to 12 months by a dermatologist or general practitioner with skills in dermoscopy
• surveillance photography (for people with multiple naevi)
• sequential dermoscopic imaging
• referral to a dermatologist or cancer geneticist for people with a family history of cancer in two first-degree relatives.